Lebanon

Officials link deadly Beirut blast to Syria, Hezbollah

Dec. 27 - Local TV in Lebanon shows site where former minister was killed in bombing. Officials link deadly blast to conflict in Syria and Hezbollah. Nathan Frandino reports.

TRANSCRIPT +

Video shows the immediate aftermath of the deadly bombing in Lebanon.
A local TV crew captured the lifeless bodies lying scattered as charred wreckage burned, sending smoke into the Beirut sky.
The bomb killed at least six, including former Finance Minister Mohammed Chatah.
Chatah was known for opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora linked the bombing to Syria.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FORMER LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER, FOUAD SINIORA, SAYING:
"The killer is the same, him and his Lebanese allies, from Deraa to Aleppo to Damascus, to all of Syria. The same killer is targeting the heroes of Lebanon from October 2004 till today."
Another Lebanese official blamed the Shi'ite Hezbollah militia, which is fighting on behalf of Assad in Syria.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER MINISTER, MARWAN HAMADEH, SAYING:
"The target is Lebanon, its institution, its president, not only the forces of the cedars revolution, but also the whole image of this country, the convivial country, the country of democracy. And the accused is the one who is going to be in front of the tribunal in The Hague next month, meaning Hezbollah."
The attack throws Lebanon into further chaos after a series of sectarian bombings aimed at Shi'ites and Sunnis over the past year.
The bombing wounded more than 70 people.

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